Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge

An Afternoon on Governors Island

We have started to tackle our "Before We Leave NYC" Bucket List! :) 

Henry's Potential New School

Earlier today we had a virtual tour with Henry's potential new school in Germany.  It was fantastic meeting face to face with someone I had been emailing with a bit, and seeing the beautiful school building! It's a newer building with big classrooms, bright spaces, science labs, technology labs, and a big gym.  They answered lots of our questions and we just got a better feel for everything.  We will definitely be applying once the visas come through and it's all more official!

A Running List of Things We Want to Do Before Leaving NYC

These are things we want to do before we leave NYC... we've either done them before, but not in a long time, or it's just something we've never done before!

• Visit the Met & Cloisters
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum
• Visit the MOMA
• See the Oculus train station 
• Visit Governor's Island
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge & get pizza on the other side
• Walk the Highline
• Stroll through Central Park
• Visit the Tenement Museum
• Go to the Math Museum
• Socrate's 
• Eat Chinese food in Chinatown
• Eat Italian food in Little Italy
• Big Nick's
• Jefferson Market Garden
• Top of a building - Rock, Empire, WTC
• Battery Park carrousel 
• Liberty Island
• UN Tour
• Walk through Grand Central
• Walk McDougal Street and walk through Union Square
• If we are still here, see the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center and do all the Christmas things!

We are moving to Germany!

10 years ago we landed in NYC...now it's time for a new adventure!

We have been chatting for a while now about where to move, or if we should stay in NYC.  We absolutely love New York City, so it's a hard place to leave and every other city that we chatted about and considered felt like settling.  It just wasn't right.  Until this opportunity to move to Germany came up.

It all happened because I saw an acquaintance online spending a few months in Mexico with her children as the summer ended and the school year started.  This is likely possible because she is either homeschooling, or doing virtual school - I am not sure which.  And I thought, "Hey, we could do that!" After-all we just spent over 100 days in Pennsylvania during the peak of the pandemic here in NYC and Henry did great in school, what is stopping us from going further?

Where is the one place we'd like to go?

GERMANY!

Well...the borders are closed to the U.S. due to COVID-19 and the United States being a complete dumpster fire when battling this pandemic (don’t get me started!), but perhaps we can still get work visas?  Turns out that yes, we can!  Maybe we can get a short-term assignment!

Joe took a look at the job board and low and behold, his same position was open in Germany as what he does now in NYC.  Should he inquire about a transfer?  This wasn't a short-term assignment.  Sure, why not! Wouldn't hurt, we can always say no.  We have inquired before for Germany and it didn’t pan out, we wouldn’t know if this one would either.

Long story short, they responded and wanted him to apply.  Soon he had an interview set up, which went great and he was formerly offered a position.  After quite a lot of research, endless discussion, and number crunching it boiled down to a pretty simple fact that if we didn't take advantage of this, we'd regret it.

So we are taking advantage!

The position is mostly virtual, Joe won’t need to be in the office regularly.  We can choose where we want to live within Germany, as long as it has access to trains and planes so he can visit clients, once they start doing that in the EU. (due to COVID-19, they aren't visiting clients currently)  We naturally started considering large cities, as we are very comfortable with NYC and love what large cities have to offer.  Munich was the top of the list for a couple weeks.  We looked at apartments online, watched videos about life in Munich, and even contacted the international schools, and a school that offered a German intensive language class for non-German speakers.

However, the more we researched, the more we hit a few roadblocks.  First, apartments in Munich are very expensive.  By NYC standards, they are more affordable, but not drastically.  We could manage it, but the budget would be more limited.  Second, and more importantly, only ONE school had ONE seat open for an 8th grade student.  This school was one I couldn’t find many reviews of and it was an expensive international school.  The spot could disappear before we even arrived in Germany.

So while we still considered Munich, we also started to research other cities.  I have friends in Nuremberg and already knew there was an international school in the nearby Erlangen.  So that was worth a look, of course!  The rent was about HALF that of Munich, and the international school was more affordable.  The international school has space available and looks fantastic.  Erlangen also had a youth baseball team - which is highly important to this family!

The more we researched and discussed, it became evident that Erlangen was the right fit for us.  We made that decision official yesterday!  The area of Erlangen, Nuremberg and Fürth is all well connected by trains so we are a bit open to housing as long as the school is easily reachable by train, walking or bike as well as the train station, or a bus to the airport.

We are excited and nervous.  Ready for adventure.

Moving - by henry

Grammy and Poppa dropped us off at the airport.  Mommy, Dada and Grammy were all crying.  I didn't quite understand why everything was so sad though.  I waved goodbye and we went into the airport.  We passed by a cool playground, but Mommy said we didn't have time to play - maybe later.  Dada and I sat down and watched the iPad while Mommy went and got coffee and snacks.  Dada took me to the playground, but I only got to play for a few minutes, Mommy needed us.  I played around the waiting chairs and watched the planes instead.  It was fun.  Then it was our turn to get on the plane.  We waited for a long time, but Mommy gave me my camera that Grandma Dar gave me and it took REAL pictures!

A guy.

Mommy didn't like the waiting.  She was being silly.

We started to move a little bit.  I beeped when the plane backed up.

A Ba-Mo! (Mommy's edit: ba-mo = motorcycle.  And this isn't a motorcycle at all, but a scooter.  Close enough for a 2 year old though!)

We weren't allowed to watch the iPad yet and I was bored.  But look, Mommy had ANOTHER surprise for me!

It's BUZZ!

 

When the plane took off I said, "Bye Grammy!" and I blew her a kiss.  I played with Buzz and some stickers for a while, then we were allowed to watch the iPad.  I watched Monsters Inc.  It's funny.  Then I wanted to take another picture.

My pants.

The plane started moving up and down, up and down.  I got tired and closed my eyes.

 

Mommy must have taken that one.

When I woke up,

  

the plane was stopped.  Mommy and DaDa were eating.  I was hungry, but really tired.  Eventually I ate.

 

It was yummy.  Ham sandwich.

DaDa liked his too.

I was really happy after I ate.  Mommy gave me fruit snacks!

 

The plane took off again and we watched more on the iPad.  It was fun.

Planes are big.

When the plane stopped again I asked Mommy if we were in New York City.  "Yep" she said.

DaDa was being really funny.  I think he was tired.

We waited for our suitcases.  Mommy changed my diaper too.

No suitcases yet.

My pants.  Again.

My suitcase!

 

Pretty soon we had all our suitcases and we walked to where there were lots of taxi cabs.  DaDa and all the suitcases got in one that looked like a van.  Mommy and me waited for the bus.

We had to wait a looooooooong time.  I wanted to run around, but Mommy wouldn't let me.  It was hard to sit nice.  The lady sitting next to Mommy liked me.  She was nice.

 

I wanted to play with Mommy's phone, but she wouldn't let me.

 

The bench we sat on had some letters on it.  I told Mommy which ones they were.

A bus did come.  We got on with lots of other people.  Mommy had to stand and hold me.  I held onto her very tight like a good boy.  Then the bus driver stopped very quickly and Mommy told the bus driver to not do that.  She wasn't too happy he was a bad driver.  A nice man near us stood up and we sat down.  People said some not so nice things about the bad bus driver.  I looked out the window and saw lots of things.  I saw a digger!

Pretty soon we got off the bus and walked for a little while.  I took a nap.  When Mommy took me out of the stroller I saw all the pretty flowers outside of our new house.  I got out of my stroller and went inside, there was DaDa!!!  Mommy started to take pictures of the new house with her camera, so I did too.

 

 

This is the floor in my bedroom.

 

I'm not sure what that funny thing in my bedroom is.

 

Mommy kept saying she was tired and hungry, but she was smiling a lot.  So was DaDa.

 

Here is Mommy and DaDa's room.

We went to eat pizza across the street.  Mommy got something with sausage, but I didn't like it.  DaDa's was better.  We stopped the grocery store and bought me some tube yogurt (Mommy's edit: GoGurt).  Then we went back home.  It was time for sleeping.

 

DaDa unpacked some of my clothes for bedtime.

 

Here is Mommy's suitcase, she got her jammies on too.

I fell asleep very quickly.  I slept in the same bed as Mommy and DaDa.  They have to move me a few times during the night.  I'm not sure why.  I think I heard Mommy tell DaDa that she almost fell off the bed.  DaDa said something about me sleeping horizontally.

In the morning DaDa was all dressed up like he was going to church, but Mommy said he was going to his new big office and he'd be back in a little while.  He went and got coffee and donuts first though!  I had a chocolate one!

 

After DaDa left Mommy and I watched a movie on DaDa's computer.  She said soon my toys would be here.

 

We read some books and played a bit.  I wanted Mommy to take a picture of me in my new room.

 

I like it.

 

Mommy in my room.

 

Mommy took these.  They are out my windows.

 

Very pretty.  It smells good.

 

I went back to Mommy's room and watched a little bit of Cars.

Then a guy came and did something with some cords and a box.  He went outside.  Mommy said something about the internet working now so I can watch my cartoons if I wanted.

 

 

 

But instead of watching more cartoons, I wanted another picture in my room.

 

And I took one of Mommy in her room!

Then DaDa came home and Mommy said the movers would be here with my toys very soon.  I ran to the door when DaDa came.

 

My toys came very soon after DaDa was home and three guys brought in all our boxes and stuff.  It was neat.  They carried stuff on their backs.  I was so happy to have my toys!!  Mommy, DaDa and I ate lunch after the guys and the big moving truck went bye-bye and then I was very tired, it was nap time.  Mommy and DaDa worked on unpacking the boxes while I slept.

I like my new house.  I like New York City.

10 years in Hutchinson

After reading Brook's post below, I realized I should be posting something about the last 10 years of my life.


I started attending Word of Life church in the summer of 2000 with a couple of my good friends.  This marked the beginning of my stay in Hutch - soon after I moved to Hutch.  It was a big move for a small-town kid who hadn't really been out on his own.  I can't count college because I was home every weekend and didn't really consider it home, this was different.  I moved because after attending WOL for a time, I realized my life needed exposure to this kind of preaching, I was growing spiritually and needed to be close to my church home.

Over the years, I became one of the audio technicians in the church, attended Bible school (SMTI), worked youth lock-ins, worked at the skate park, headed up the singles ministry (briefly) and attended every service I could.  I owe the members of WOL my spiritual maturity and I am greatly thankful for all the prayers and support over the years.  Thank you all who played a part in that.  Had I not made this move back then, I think I would still have been spiritually weak, lacking a good foundation.  I will take what I know and what has been imparted to me into this next stage in life and pray I can take these tools to others in need as well as continue to grow building on these things.

I did not take lightly the decision to move to NYC, it was a long and often tumultuous road that Brook had to struggle through as she has always had her heart set on the city.  I had to peel away the natural benefits to see the real reason for the move.  I could have went based only on the fact that I won't have to rely on someone to give me a ride to the store for food, but that is not a reason enough.  I could have went just for the opportunity in the job market, but my riches don't come from man.  One day while praying, God showed me the thing that pushed me over the edge; He showed me there's someone there that needs me, not because there's nobody else there, but there's nobody else there that has my exact attitude, knowledge or perspective on life.  He encouraged me that I wasn't doing this for me, even though I get to enjoy all it's benefits too.

There's no doubt this will be an adventure and lots of challenges along the way!  Again thank you all back in MN for your prayer and support, we will miss seeing you and will look forward to visiting in the future. God bless!

Bye Hutchinson!

Yesterday was a long day.  Full of people and emotions...and dirt.

The morning started up as any regular Sunday, except that Joe was home.  It was a pleasant treat having him home on a Sunday morning - he's usually off at church early to work with the sound equipment for the praise and worship team.  During church Pastor prayed over Joe and I as that was our last service.  I didn't think I would start to cry, I am not sad leaving Hutchinson...yes, I will miss people, absolutly! But, overall, I'm excited - I never felt at "home" in Hutch, so to me it almost feels like I've been visiting and now I'm returning home to NYC.  However, Pastor's words hit me hard - he prayed for our exact need - and just all the emotion of it ALL was enough to make the tears spill over.

It was needed.  Those tears have been built up for days...weeks...months...years.

This is really happening.  We are m-o-v-i-n-g.  Tomorrow!

Leaving church was a long process.  Saying goodbye to everyone, and I KNOW there are people I wanted to speak to, but didn't.  People I wanted to hug, but didn't.  That is the hardest part.  But, those people know I love them dearly.

We had a bunch of errands to run after church, including helping get rid of our couches, dropping off some food and tables.  Joe cleaned the car, we sold it, then got busy on the house.  I honestly didn't think it would take very long to clean the house - afterall, it was nearly empty!  It took FOUR hours.  Say what?!  It didn't take that long with stuff in it!  But, its nicely cleaned - all the floors, the shelves in the cabniets, the fridge and freezer, etc.  Hopefully that will make the new owners move-in day more enjoyable.

Around 7:00 we were done.  Joe's Mom picked us up and we are staying at her house today and then she will take us to the airport tomorrow morning.  It feels great to be done....it's still a bit hard to believe this day is finally here.  I'm exhausted.  All the physical work, combined with the emotional.  This morning I'm sort of recharging, drinking coffee and just pouring myself out a bit here....a bit of alone time...well, with a two year old and a stinky diaper. ;-)

To friends in Hutchinson - we will miss seeing your smiling faces.  Joe has been in Hutch for a very long time, it's strange to him not to be there.  Thank you for supporting him all these years, and supporting us in this move.  We love you and will see you in November when we are back for a visit.  I'm not sure what day exactly we'll be back, but I'll let 'cha know.


To friends in St. Cloud - most of you who I never got to see recently, or give a hug to.  I love you - you are like my family and always will be, no matter if I see you or not, or how many miles separate us.  You know me deeply, unlike any other, and still love me.

EVERYONE is more than welcome to visit us in New York.  Our doors are open to you!

Gotta go change that stinky.  I'll post again as soon as I can - with pictures of the new place!

"Bye toys!"

"Bye toys!" is what Henry said when he realized the ABF boxes were gone.

"Where did your toys go?"

"New York City!!!!" he said excitedly.

Yep.  Our stuff is gone and we are excited!

Packing day went pretty well.  On Wednesday, when the cubes arrived we packed from 9:30 pm to 1:00 am.  Then Joe was up and at 'em at 7:00 am and went STRAIGHT until Noon.  He didn't even stop for coffee.  I packed what was left in the house, made sure we had everything, took care of Henry (until he went to a friend's house) and assisted Joe - my job was a lot, but nothing compared to what Joe did.  And ya, it was raining for the last two hours...yippee.

As per ABF's advice we had everything done by noon.  We had called them around 8:30 am to let them know we'd be done.  The cubes were supposed to be picked up fairly early in the day so they could get en-route to NYC, otherwise, they tell us they might not make it in time.

We waited around until about 2:00 pm...no ABF.  So, we went over to pick Henry up and were there until 4:30.  We come back home and the cubes were not gone!  Ugh.  Another 2 phone calls, transferred to the dispatch center who then told me to call the terminal - "I just did and got transferred to you!")...they connected with the driver...he was on his way.  Finally.  So, around 7:00 pm they were picked up.  My husband worked like a dog for no reason.  I was a little irritated (and honestly, still am.)

But they are gone.  And that's what matters.  ABF is supposed to call today to talk about the timeline, but guess what?  They haven't called!  Surprised?  Me neither. 

As and end result yesterday, our house was empty (pretty-much) but a disaster with random papers, pieces of tape, etc.

I've cleaned up a bit, but there is still plenty to do!!

In four days we'll be living in New York City!

Cubes Squared

Today, just as Henry was waking up from his nap, a giant truck pulled up to our house and delivered 2 ABF ReloCubes.  He was pretty excited to see all the action!

 

The cubes are 6 feet deep by 7 feet wide by 8 feet tall.  They appear smaller from the outside, but really seem pretty big once you open it up.

Henry explained to me how we pack our things inside.  Even after his oh-so clear instructions, I still think I'll leave the job to DaDa.

I've been dealing with the phone calls with the movers.  Coordinating with ABF and then with the local movers on the NYC side has been an interesting task.  When I first contacted ABF I told them I didn't care what day they delivered the cubes to us, we just wanted them to arrive in NYC by the 16th.  The representative we spoke to said we would get them on the 7th and have them picked up on the 9th.  Then we surely would have them by the 16th.  Sounds good.

A couple weeks ago ABF calls and moves our date back to be delivered on the 9th, and we have to have them picked up by Friday the 11th in order for them to arrive in NYC by the 16th.  Alrighty.

Now they are saying we have to have them ready by TOMORROW, Thursday the 10th...and they might not get there by the 16th.

I've spoken to several people at ABF and gotten way too much information about how their systems work, and why they can't do this or that, and why our things might not arrive by the 16th...all that stuff that I, honestly, don't really care about.  All I want them to do is to abide by what they told me and make it right.  Hopefully they will.

Getting Closer

We have been packing and packing around here.  It has actually gone very smoothly - hopefully that translates to a smooth UN-packing on the other side as well.

Henry has been his usual helpful self in packing,

A wheel from a truck.  I tried to convince him more can fit in the box...

Grammy KK took Henry overnight Friday-Saturday so Joe and I were able to truly get a LOT done.

All we have left is one more box in Henry's room, 2 downstairs and then all the "last minute" items - like bedding, the few dishes we have kept out, etc.

Our big moving pods are being delivered on Wednesday, we hope to get them all packed Thursday morning.  Then Friday-Monday we'll be living in a completely empty house and Tuesday we fly out!  It's hard to believe our lives will be completely different in just over a week.

I think Henry is actually looking forward to not having a bathtub.  He's been enjoying our practice showers.